Find the right HS tariff code for machinery, engines, industrial equipment, auto parts and mechanical components — with EU, UK and USA import duty rates.
Machinery and industrial equipment falls across HS Chapters 84 (machinery and mechanical appliances), 85 (electrical machinery) and 87 (vehicles and automotive parts). EU import duties on industrial machinery are generally low (0–3.7%), reflecting the EU's interest in efficient manufacturing supply chains. Many industrial goods are exempt from duty entirely under sectoral agreements. Auto parts can attract higher duties (3–6.5%) with some antidumping measures on Chinese-origin components. The USA applies 0–3.5% on most machinery, but Section 301 tariffs on Chinese-origin machinery can add 7.5–25%.
Import duty rates shown for the EU (from non-EU), UK (from non-UK), and USA (from non-USA). Intra-EU shipments have 0% duty.
| HS Code | Product description | EU duty | UK duty | USA duty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8413.11 | Pumps for dispensing fuel or lubricants (fuel pumps) | 1.7% | 0% | Free | Industrial pumping equipment |
| 8414.10 | Vacuum pumps | 2.7% | 0% | Free | Industrial vacuum systems |
| 8418.10 | Combined refrigerator-freezers with separate doors | 2.7% | 0% | Free | Industrial refrigeration |
| 8428.90 | Other lifting, handling and loading machinery | 1.7% | 0% | Free | Conveyor systems, industrial cranes |
| 8443.31 | Machines which perform two or more printing functions | 0% | 0% | Free | Industrial printing presses |
| 8471.60 | Input/output units for computers (keyboards, mice) | 0% | 0% | Free | ITA — 0% all origins |
| 8479.89 | Machines for specific industrial purposes n.e.s. | 1.7% | 0% | Free | Catch-all for specialised machinery |
| 8484.10 | Gaskets and similar joints of metal sheeting | 2.7% | 0% | Free | Industrial seals and gaskets |
| 8708.29 | Other motor vehicle body parts and accessories | 4.5% | 0%–4.5% | 2.5% | Auto parts — higher duty rate |
| 8708.99 | Other automotive parts and accessories n.e.s. | 3.7% | 0%–3.7% | 2.5% | Miscellaneous auto components |
| 8511.50 | Generators for internal combustion engines | 3.7% | 0% | 2.5% | Alternators and starters |
| 8544.42 | Electric conductors — fitted with connectors (under 1000V) | 2.7% | 0% | Free | Wiring harnesses and cable sets |
Duty rates are indicative based on standard MFN (Most Favoured Nation) tariffs. Actual rates may vary by country of origin and applicable trade agreements. Always verify with the official tariff database of the destination country.
EU import duties on industrial machinery are generally low (0–3.7%) under the EU Common Customs Tariff. The EU has an interest in keeping production inputs affordable. However, auto parts from China and some other origins face antidumping measures. Check TARIC for current antidumping duties before importing Chinese machinery. EU machinery must comply with the Machinery Directive (2006/42/EC) and carry CE marking before sale in the EU.
UK Global Tariff rates for machinery are generally 0% for most industrial equipment — lower than EU rates. However, UK machinery importers must ensure compliance with UK equivalents of EU machinery regulations (UK Machinery Directive). Post-Brexit, UK manufacturers exporting to the EU need CE marking for the EU market and UKCA marking for the UK market (though CE marking remains accepted in UK until 2027).
US standard duties on machinery are 0–3.5%. However, Section 301 additional tariffs on Chinese-origin goods significantly impact industrial machinery: List 1 and List 2 machinery faces 25% additional duty; List 4A faces 7.5%. Chinese-made industrial equipment may therefore face combined duties of 25–28.5%. Source from non-China manufacturers (Taiwan, South Korea, EU, Japan) to avoid Section 301.
EU import duty on motor vehicle parts varies: body parts (8708.29) attract 4.5%; electrical components (8511, 8544) attract 2.7–3.7%; filters and gaskets attract 2.7%. EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement: UK-origin auto parts enter EU at 0% duty (origin rules require minimum 40–45% EU/UK content). Chinese auto parts may face antidumping duties.
Industrial machinery for use in the EU must carry CE marking certifying compliance with EU safety directives (Machinery Directive, Low Voltage Directive, EMC Directive, etc.). EU customs may refuse machinery that cannot demonstrate CE compliance. Always request CE declarations of conformity from suppliers before importing industrial equipment.
Some machinery, electronic components, chemicals and materials are classified as dual-use goods — products with both civilian and potential military applications. Export of dual-use goods from the EU requires an export licence (EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821). Examples include certain machine tools, sensors, laser equipment and cryptography technology.
Always get the manufacturer's HS code recommendation for industrial machinery — misclassification is the most common cause of customs delays for B2B machinery imports. The supplier who manufactures the equipment usually has the correct HS code for their product's country of origin.
Include a technical specification sheet or datasheets with your commercial invoice for complex machinery. Customs authorities may ask for detailed technical description to verify HS classification. Having a spec sheet ready avoids hold-ups at customs.
For auto parts, declare the specific part name and part number alongside the HS code — 'alternator, 80A, P/N 1234567' is far better than 'car part'. Include the vehicle make and model the part fits, as this helps customs verify the correct HS classification.
Used and refurbished machinery requires a declaration of 'used goods' and realistic market value. Many EU countries apply specific import procedures for used industrial machinery, particularly if safety certification is required. Some countries (e.g., Brazil) require pre-import licences for certain used machinery.
For machinery shipments to the USA with Chinese-origin components, conduct a thorough country-of-origin analysis. 'Substantial transformation' rules determine origin — a machine assembled in Vietnam from Chinese parts may still be considered Chinese-origin for Section 301 purposes if the assembly was simple. Seek customs counsel for complex supply chains.
Dual-use machinery requires an export licence from the EU or UK before shipping. Check your product against Annex I of EU Dual-Use Regulation 2021/821 or the UK Export Control Order. Exporting controlled goods without a licence is a criminal offence. Your freight forwarder or customs broker can assist with dual-use classification.
What HS code for industrial machinery?
There is no single HS code for 'industrial machinery' — the correct code depends on the machine's function. Chapter 84 covers most mechanical machinery (pumps, compressors, machine tools, agricultural machinery). Chapter 85 covers electrical machinery (generators, motors, transformers). Use the WCO Harmonized System explanatory notes or the EU TARIC database to find the specific 6-digit code for your machine type.
What is the HS code for auto parts?
Auto parts span several HS headings: 8708 (parts and accessories for motor vehicles of headings 8701–8705) is the primary chapter. Sub-headings: 8708.29 (body parts), 8708.40 (gearboxes), 8708.50 (drive axles), 8708.70 (road wheels), 8708.91 (radiators), 8708.99 (other parts). EU duty: 3.7–6.5% for most auto parts from non-EU countries.
What Section 301 tariffs apply to Chinese machinery?
Chinese-origin machinery faces additional Section 301 tariffs on top of standard US HTS rates. List 1 (84 and 85 chapter): 25% additional. List 3 machinery: 25% additional. List 4A machinery: 7.5% additional. Combined with standard duties of 0–3.5%, Chinese machinery may attract total duties of 7.5–28.5% upon US import. Check the USTR's 301 tariff exclusions list for any current exclusions for your product.
Does CE marking affect customs clearance?
CE marking is not a customs requirement for import — goods can pass through customs without it. However, CE marking IS required for placing machinery on the EU market (sale, installation, commissioning). EU market surveillance authorities can seize machinery being sold without CE marking. For commercial imports of industrial equipment into the EU, ensure CE compliance before delivery to the customer, even if it's not checked at the customs point.
What is a dual-use good and how do I know if my machinery is one?
Dual-use goods are products and technology with both civilian and potential military applications. The EU list is in Annex I of Regulation 2021/821 — categories include electronics, computers, sensors, lasers, navigational equipment, aerospace, and certain machine tools. If your machinery appears in Annex I, you need an EU export licence before shipping to many non-EU destinations. Your freight forwarder can check classification or you can screen products at the EU Dual-Use Export Control portal.
Can I import used machinery into the EU?
Yes — used and refurbished machinery can be imported into the EU. The standard HS code and duty rate applies (same as new machinery). Declare as 'used machinery' on the commercial invoice with a realistic second-hand market value. Note that used machinery must still comply with all applicable EU safety directives (Machinery Directive, ATEX, etc.) before being placed into service within the EU. Some machine categories (particularly pressure vessels and lifting equipment) require inspection certificates from recognised bodies.
Get instant quotes from DHL, UPS, FedEx, DPD and GLS — door-to-door with customs documentation support.
Get a Free Quote →